Support Whale Rescue

Photo: MMHSRP Permit #18786 WET/Stap

Whale Rescue

Photo: MMHSRP Permit #9321489 WET/Berger

Photo: Nicole Capps/NOAA

Photo: MMHSRP Permit #18786 WET/Folkens

Photo: Jane Fay Baker

Whale Disentanglement efforts conducted by agencies and trained volunteers helps to prevent the unnecessary deaths of these iconic species. Thirty-six species of marine mammals live within the sanctuary, including several whale species such as blue, humpback, and gray whales. Every year, thousands of people venture out to the sanctuary to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

Unfortunately, each year high numbers of whales become entangled in fishing gear or other debris. In 2015, NOAA Fisheries reported 50 confirmed whale entanglements off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California, a significant increase compared to pre-2014 levels when the average was less than 10 reported per year since 2000.

The need is urgent! Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary works closely with NOAA Fisheries, California Whale Rescue, local fisherman, and other permitted responders to disentangle debris from large whales while working to prevent gear-whale interactions from occurring. The cost for responses and trainings to keep qualified volunteers on stand-by to rescue whales is expensive and requires financial resources. Investments will enable the rescue teams to spend more time on the water to locate, track, and attend to entangled whales.

Your support will help train volunteers and purchase needed equipment for the whale rescue team to respond to entanglements seen in Monterey Bay. With the proper training, gear and the most up-to-date technology, the whale rescue team will have the best tools available to track down and free entangled whales. This includes a telemetry kit, marine radios, line cutting tools such as large and flying grapples, carabineers, flying tool socket, and a carbon fiber pole.